Difference Between Retinol and AHA

Even though both retinol and AHAs have similar anti-aging effects on your skin, they work differently to deliver them. For example, retinol is not an exfoliant while AHAs are. On the other hand, retinol has antioxidant properties.

1. Is retinol or AHA better for acne?
2. Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?
3. Is it OK to use AHA everyday?
4. What skin type is AHA good for?
5. What should you not use retinol with?
6. Which is better AHA or retinol?
7. What should I not use with hyaluronic acid?
8. Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?
9. Can I use retinol every night?
10. Should you use AHA in the morning or night?
11. How long should you leave AHA on face?
12. Can you apply moisturizer after Aha?

Is retinol or AHA better for acne?

Alpha-hydroxy acids can resurface and enhance normal, dry or mature skin. If your skin is sensitive, oily or prone to congestion, BHAs can help to clear deep pores, reduce inflammation and prevent acne or breakouts. Retinol can help to clear acne, and it's also an effective anti-aging ingredient.

Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?

Overall, glycolic acid is a milder ingredient than retinol, making it easier to try first. ... Overall, if you want to improve uneven texture, oiliness and clogged pores, turn to glycolic acid. If you want to prevent and address fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, retinol is your best choice.

Is it OK to use AHA everyday?

To reduce your risk of irritation, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using AHA products every other day. As your skin gets used to them, you can then start applying AHAs every day. Also use extra caution when going out in the sun.

What skin type is AHA good for?

AHA is best for dry skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scars. BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types. You can use both by buying products with both ingredients, or by alternating products.

What should you not use retinol with?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

Which is better AHA or retinol?

Even though both retinol and AHAs have similar anti-aging effects on your skin, they work differently to deliver them. ... On the other hand, retinol has antioxidant properties. Both ingredients can smooth skin tone and reduce wrinkles, but also provide unique benefits that the other lacks.

What should I not use with hyaluronic acid?

Mix: Retinol and hyaluronic acid

“Retinol is known to cause irritation to the skin, especially when a proper moisturizing regimen is not put in place,” warns Dr. Zeichner.

Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?

Using active ingredients only in your nighttime routine allows your skin to take a break during the day. For example, you can alternate between using your favorite glycolic acid product one night and a new retinol cream the next. ... This will lower your chances of irritating your skin.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinol can be used every day but needs time to work

After you've built up your skin's tolerance to retinol, it's perfectly safe to use every day.

Should you use AHA in the morning or night?

The other liquid exfoliant is Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA's, Glycolic, Lactic). As AHA's increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, I'd suggest using this at night. If you use a AHA in the morning, always make sure to follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen.

How long should you leave AHA on face?

Wait times might matter

The reason I personally leave acids on for 15-20 minutes before moving to other steps is due to my preference for gentler formulations that contain weaker concentrations of acids.

Can you apply moisturizer after Aha?

You can apply a moisturiser or serum immediately after an AHA or BHA exfoliant, which when well formulated, will have the low PH it needs to exfoliate skin effectively.